Intel introduced the AppUp hybrid cloud service on Tuesday, a new service targeted towards small businesses with the intention of saving costs via pay-as-you-go software.

The hybrid part comes in as SMB users can utilize cloud computing with the server and data on the premises. Cloud members can access stored data through an Intel-hosted Web portal secured by a firewall and HTTPS encryption.

Furthermore, subscribers to the service can pick up "repackaged" software that as they see fit for their businesses and pay a monthly subscription fee for each application to its service provider, which in turns pays Intel.

Currently, the lengthy list of software providers involved in this plan include Microsoft, Symantec, McAfee and Novell. Users could even choose to partner this hybrid cloud service with other existing clouds such as Amazon Web Services.

Besides designing the new business model, Intel is involved with tracking software usage and sending "secure encrypted reports" to its own data centers. Additionally, all of server platforms run on Intel Xeon processors. Currently, only Lenovo's entry, the ThinkServer TS200v, is currently available. However, Acer and NEC are expected to unveil their related products as well.

Thank You

By registering you become a member of the CBS Interactive family of sites and you have read and agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Video Services Policy. You agree to receive updates, alerts and promotions from CBS and that CBS may share information about you with our marketing partners so that they may contact you by email or otherwise about their products or services.
You will also receive a complimentary subscription to the ZDNet's Tech Update Today and ZDNet Announcement newsletters. You may unsubscribe from these newsletters at any time.